You have finally done it. You ditched the cheap plastic, upgraded to a premium set of Awekeys full metal keycaps, and are ready to transform your desk setup. But as you begin installing them onto your mechanical switches, you notice a slight issue: one keycap requires too much force to push down, another feels slightly loose, or perhaps one gets "stuck" and doesn't rebound properly after being pressed.
Before you worry that your keycaps or switches are defective, take a breath. This is completely normal.
In the custom mechanical keyboard world, switch manufacturers (like Gateron, Kailh, Cherry, and Wooting) all have microscopic variations in the thickness of their MX cross stems. When you use standard PBT or ABS plastic keycaps, you never notice these variances because plastic naturally stretches and compresses to grip the switch.
Solid metal, however, has zero flex. If a switch stem is manufactured 0.1mm thicker or thinner than average, a precision-machined metal keycap will immediately expose that variance.
Fortunately, adjusting your metal keycaps to fit perfectly is a quick and simple process. Here is your step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless, wobble-free fit using our dedicated hardware.
Step 1: Meet Your Tool
The Awekeys tool is a 3-in-1 gadget. Depending on your problem, you just need to twist it open to find the right part:
To TIGHTEN a loose keycap: You will use the blunt, hollow end of the handle (labeled "Tighten"). You can twist off the wire keycap puller to make the handle easier to hold, but keep the middle barrel attached.
To LOOSEN a tight keycap: You need the cross-shaped "Stem Adjuster." To find it, twist off both the wire keycap puller and the middle connecting barrel.
Scenario A: The Keycap is Too Loose
The Problem: The keycap slides on with zero effort, wobbles when you type, or falls off if you turn the keyboard upside down. The gap between the metal pins under the keycap is too wide.
The Fix:
Put the keycap upside down on a soft mat.
Take the hollow "Tighten" end of the tool and place it completely over the keycap's stem.
Push down firmly and evenly with your hand. (The hollow tube will squeeze all four metal pins closer together).
Test it on your keyboard. If it’s still loose, repeat with a little more pressure until it fits snugly!
Scenario B: The Keycap Gets Stuck (Doesn't Rebound)
The Problem: You press the keycap down, and it just stays there. It doesn't pop back up.
Why does this happen? "Believe it or not, this happens because the keycap's walls are actually fitting too tightly against the switch!". The edges of the keycap rub against the switch housing and get stuck.
The Fix:
The solution is exactly the same as Scenario A. You need to make the stem tighter so it grips the switch perfectly straight.
Put the keycap upside down on a soft mat.
Use the hollow "Tighten" end of the tool over the stem.
Push down firmly to squeeze the pins together.
Put it back on your keyboard. Once it grips the switch tightly and straight, it will rebound smoothly every time!
Scenario C: The Keycap is Too Tight
The Problem: You try to put the keycap on, and you have to push uncomfortably hard. Stop pushing! If you force it, you will crush your mechanical switch. The gap between the metal pins under the keycap is too narrow.
The Fix:
Put the keycap upside down on a soft mat.
Twist your tool apart to expose the cross-shaped "Stem Adjuster" (Loosen end).
Insert the cross directly into the "+" gap of the keycap stem.
Press down gently and evenly. (The cross shape is designed to safely spread the four metal pins slightly outward).
Take the tool out and test the fit on your keyboard. It should slide on securely without feeling forced. If it's still tight, repeat gently.
You're Ready to Build!
That's it! By taking a few seconds to gently adjust your stems with the proper tool, you guarantee a flawless, wobble-free typing experience.
Ready to assemble your dream board?
Visit the Awekeys official store to explore our premium metal keycap collections today!